Confocal Raman Mapping

Rapid confocal Raman mapping, microscopy and imaging for the study of advanced heterogeneous materials and products such as coatings or composites.

Confocal raman mapping is an highly suitable analytical tool for the study of advanced materials and products such as pharmaceutical tablets, medical devices, carbon-fibre composites and surface coatings. These complex products and advanced materials can be challenging to study and challenging to gain understanding of specific issues such as contamination.
 
Our experts employ confocal scanning Raman mapping and microscopy with high sensitivity and resolution to the study of spatially-varying chemical structures in advanced materials. Our instrumentation is state-of–the-art and our scientists have the experience to design and conduct studies that achieve understanding of these complex chemical systems and products. Intertek routinely apply confocal Raman mapping and imaging to help clients understand the properties and structures of coatings or composites materials. The technique provides valuable information regarding the morphology of materials including polymorph distribution, crystallinity and also distribution of active ingredients.
 
Delivered from centres of excellence in North America and Europe our teams have the expertise to bring you the insight needed to aid product development, understanding regarding mixtures and processes and rapid troubleshooting for issues such as contamination and defects.

Confocal Raman Mapping Applications:

• Study of Filled or composite materials
• Material morphology, including polymorph distributions, crystallinity and orientation
• Analysis of defects and contamination
• Study of mixtures and blends
• Surface coatings or treatments
• Distribution of active ingredients and excipients in pharmaceuticals
• Dynamics of process - e.g. real time cure monitoring in adhesives and stability studies of mixtures
• Non-destructive depth-profiling

Confocal Raman Mapping instrument key features:

• High spatial resolution - typically around 1 micrometer
• High sensitivity - allowing for the rapid analysis of small or thin samples
• Multiple laser wavelengths (532, 633, 660 and 785 nm) - enabling the examination of a wide range of materials. 785 nm is particularly suited to the study of fluorescent materials such as PEEK and epoxy
• Transmission Raman microscopy for accurate analysis of bulk samples including opaque or turbid materials (e.g. powders)